The skin is the body's largest organ. It needs proper nourishment to stay healthy, which is why poor diet and lifestyle can negatively affect your appearance. One plant you may not have heard of that can make a big difference in the health of your skin is sea buckthorn.

Sea Buckthorn Basics

Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoids) is a plant native to Asia and Europe. The leaves, stems and berries of the plant have been used to make supplements and medicine for years because of their nutritional benefits. The plant produces bright reddish-orange berries similar in shape to a grape with a sour taste.

Sea Buckthorn for Healthy Skin

There are several beneficial compounds and chemicals within sea buckthorn that can benefit the skin. Here are some of the main nutrients found in sea buckthorn and they're main function in relation to skin health:

Carotenoids and Polyphenols -- Antioxidants that protect the skin from free radical damage.

While sea buckthorn has long been used in Asia and Europe, most of the published studies about it are animal studies. More research will need to be done with human participants to determine the exact effects of sea buckthorn, but these results are promising.

How to Take Sea Buckthorn

Many supplements are made from the juice and oil of the sour sea buckthorn berries. You can add the juice to a smoothie or combine it with other juices and drink in the morning for a nutritious and energizing drink that supports the skin. The oil as well as powdered extracts are often made into supplements to be taken orally on a daily basis. There is no standard recommended daily dose of sea buckthorn, but no negative side effects have been reported. Follow the product's instructions carefully.

Sea buckthorn juices and supplements are generally recognized as safe for daily consumption. However, it's always best to check with your doctor before adding a new supplement to your routine if you're currently taking medication or if you're pregnant or breastfeeding. If you're taking a sea buckthorn supplement, it's best to stop using it at least two weeks before surgery to ensure proper blood clotting.

Lastly, you can find sea buckthorn oil in topical products like creams, moisturizers and serums. As with any new beauty product, test your sea buckthorn topical product on a small patch of skin and allow to sit for a few hours to see if any allergic reaction exists. Apply as directed.

You can find a variety of sea buckthorn products at eVitamins. Shop today and let us know how they work for you!

Statements made about specific vitamins, supplements, procedures or other items sold on or through this website have not been evaluated by eVitamins, the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) or the United States Food and Drug Administration. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. The information provided on this site is for informational purposes only. As always, please consult with a licensed doctor or physician before starting any diet, exercise or supplement program, before taking any vitamin or medication, or if you have or suspect you might have a problem.